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A congressman from Texas reported on Saturday that three migrants, including two children, died while attempting to cross the US-Mexico border near Eagle Pass. The Biden administration has stated that Texas is now denying Border Patrol agents access to the area.
Congressman Henry Cuellar, a Democratic representative from Texas, criticized the state for not taking action as tensions rise between Texas and the US government regarding immigration enforcement. The Justice Department informed the US Supreme Court on Friday that Texas had seized control of Shelby Park and was preventing Border Patrol agents from entering.
The park is located in Eagle Pass, a significant area where migrants from Mexico enter and is the focal point of Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s determined efforts to prevent illegal crossings, known as Operation Lone Star. Periodically, migrants lose their lives due to being carried away by the strong currents of the Rio Grande.
A spokesperson for Abbott directed inquiries to the Texas Military Department. However, the department has not yet replied to an email requesting a statement on Saturday.
Mr. Cuellar, representing the Texas border district, stated that Mexican authorities notified the Border Patrol of struggling migrants in the river on Friday night. Despite attempts to inform Texas National Guard members at Shelby Park, the agents were unable to reach them. They then visited the park entrance but were denied access. The congressman reported that they were informed a Guard member would be sent to investigate the situation.
Cuellar, the leading Democrat on the subcommittee for Homeland Security within the House Appropriations Committee, released a statement saying that the State is to blame for this tragedy.
US Customs and Border Protection had no immediate comment.
The city owns a 50-acre park, which is utilized by the state Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department to monitor border crossings. Despite a decrease in daily crossings from thousands to approximately 500, state officials have erected fences and positioned military vehicles at the entrance to prevent public access and Border Patrol agents, according to a court document filed this week.
On Saturday, Texas submitted a response to the court that disputed claims that Border Patrol agents were denied access to the park. They argued Border Patrol had scaled down its presence since the summer, when the state moved their resources and manpower to the park.
The state response stated that federal agents were given permission to enter the area in order to secure supplies.
According to Mr. Cuellar, there is currently no information on the nationalities, relationship, and ages of the victims.
Over the weekend, community members gathered at the park to honor the migrants who have died in their area. Julio Vasquez, a pastor in attendance, stated that they were able to gain access after persistently requesting permission from the city and providing evidence of the fenced-off entry being guarded by National Guard members and military vehicles.
Source: independent.co.uk
